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Food Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sunrise Systems, Inc.

Food Product Development

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$132K - $165K/yr

Product Development (Food Science) Location: Emeryville, CA Duration: 06 months on W2 Contract Job Descriptio n3-5 days a wee k What you will bri ngA desire to drive your future and accelerate your ...

CPS, Inc. (Food & Beverage Division)

$105K - $115K/yr

Product Development ManagerThis 120 year old family owned company is seeking a highly motivated ... Stay up to date on food industry trends, regulatory changes, and advances in ingredient technology.

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Nestle

Product Development Scientist

Fremont, MI · On-site

Nestle's Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food ... Our team of experts range from product developers to engineers, working across our portfolio of ...

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Food Product Development information

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$42.5K

$127K

$144.5K

How much do food product development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for food product development in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Food Product Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Product Development, you need expertise in food science, sensory evaluation, and recipe formulation, typically backed by a degree in food science, nutrition, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food safety regulations, and product lifecycle management software is often required. Strong project management, creativity, and teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These abilities are essential because they ensure products are innovative, safe, and compliant while meeting consumer demands and business objectives.

What do you do as a food product developer?

A food product developer designs, tests, and refines new food products to meet consumer preferences and safety standards. They conduct research, create prototypes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams using tools like sensory evaluation and food science techniques to bring products from concept to market.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Food Product Development?

Food Product Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing taste, nutrition, cost, and shelf-life while adhering to strict food safety and regulatory standards. They may need to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences and troubleshoot issues that arise during product testing or manufacturing scale-up. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, quality assurance, and supply chain, is key to overcoming these obstacles and launching successful products. This dynamic environment requires flexibility and a continual willingness to learn and innovate.

What is a Food Product Development job?

A Food Product Development job involves creating new food products or improving existing ones by experimenting with ingredients, formulations, and processing techniques. Professionals in this field work closely with food scientists, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure products meet consumer preferences, regulatory standards, and cost requirements. They conduct research, test recipes, and oversee production trials to bring safe, high-quality, and marketable food items to store shelves.

How much do product developers get paid?

Food product developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn over $100,000. Skills in food science, culinary arts, and familiarity with product testing are important for higher compensation.

How to get into food product development?

To enter food product development, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in food manufacturing or research helps develop relevant skills such as product formulation, sensory evaluation, and knowledge of food safety standards. Strong communication, creativity, and familiarity with industry tools like CAD or lab equipment are also beneficial.

What is the highest paid job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food and Beverage Directors or Corporate Food Service Managers tend to be among the highest paid positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced degrees or certifications in food management or hospitality. Salary levels vary based on company size, location, and responsibilities.
More about Food Product Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Product Development jobs? Cities with the most Food Product Development job openings:
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Food Product Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,987 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Food Product Development

Food Product Development

Sunrise Systems, Inc.

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$132K - $165K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Product Development (Food Science)

Location: Emeryville, CA

Duration: 06 months on W2 Contract



Job Descriptio

n3-5 days a wee


k
What you will bri

ngA desire to drive your future and accelerate your career and the following experience and knowledg

  • e:Food science, science, or engineering ideally in a fast-moving consumer goods mark
  • etWorking on teams and independently with the guidance of a manag
  • erPersonal drive and organizati
  • onPrioritizing and managing activiti
  • esPlanning, and executing work plans with some supervisi
  • onIdentifying problems proactively and creating and implementing solutions independently (problem solvin
  • g)Applying fundamental technical understanding to interpret and analyze data to reach clear conclusio
  • nsCommunicating effectively verbally and in writing, including technical writi
  • ngPutting the consumer at the heart of development activiti


es
Additional Job Descript

ionMore about this r

oleWhat you need to know about this positi


on:
You will be working on Client, the leading bar brand in the category. Great learning with experienced developers and best performing t

  • eam.You will experience wide ranges of projects includ
  • ing:Innovation: near term innovation and renova
  • tionCore maintenance: Resolve quality issues, BCP, Margin and support plant performance improvement, and other duties as assi
  • gnedMaking benchtop samples to support development work ; shipping and receiving samples and ingredi
  • entsBS in Food Science, Chemical Engineering or related f


ield
Job specific requirem

  • ents:1-3 years of experience in related
  • fieldStrong technical foundation and technical curi
  • osityParticipate in cross functional teams to identify and resolve technical is
  • sues.Write process specifications that deliver consistent, high-quality products across numerous manufacturing facili
  • ties.Excellent written and oral communic


ation

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